England fly-half Owen Farrell says he is not afraid to go up against the All Blacks

Last Updated: 30/11/12 8:40am

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Owen Farrell insists he will have no fear when he lines up at fly-half for England in Saturday's clash with New Zealand at Twickenham.

Farrell has been called into the side to replace the injured Toby Flood and will play opposite fellow world player of the year nominee Dan Carter.

The 21-year-old admits his inclusion on the International Rugby Board's shortlist for the award alongside Carter, Richie McCaw and Frederic Michalak came as a surprise.

But although Farrell is honoured to be placed alongside rugby's leading lights, he says he will not be overawed by them at the weekend.

"It is very humbling to be alongside the other players on the list. They are all world class," the Saracens player said.

"I didn't really understand it at first. I was getting all these messages and I didn't know what was going on. The lads have congratulated me and so-on but the main focus is this weekend.

"New Zealand are a world class team. They are unbeaten in 20 matches. That is the challenge to look forward to. There is no point being scared of it.

"It's a game that I love. It's not a game that I'm scared of. It may be a game against the best team in the world but it is still another game of rugby."

Farrell was full of praise for opposite number Carter, who returns for the All Blacks after missing last weekend's win over Wales through injury, and knows England will have a tough time containing him at Twickenham.

He added: "The thing about him is the way he is always in complete control of what he's doing.

"He's always in control of everything going on around him and he almost looks like he could play it in his sleep.

"A lot of work goes into that and the way he puts things behind him as well means nothing really affects him during a game. That is a great quality to have."